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Fifteen movies — representing the United States, Canada, Brazil, France, Germany, Israel, The Netherlands, Slovenia, Switzerland and Venezuela — will screen at this year's Damn These Heels! Salt Lake City International LGBT Film Festival, organizers announced today.
As previously reported, the opening-night film on July 11 will be "Compared to What: The Improbably Journey of Barney Frank," a documentary about the sharp-tongued and openly gay former Massachusetts congressman.
Here's the rest of the line-up, which will screen July 12 and 13 at Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. 300 South, Salt Lake City. (Synopses are provided by the Utah Film Center, which presents the festival.)
• "Appropriate Behavior" (U.S.A.), written by, directed by and starring Desiree Akhavan: "A hip, young Persian-American woman struggles for acceptance that eludes her from all sides—her family doesn't know she's bisexual, and her ex-girlfriend can't understand why she doesn't tell them." (This movie premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.)
• "Boys (Jongens)" (The Netherlands), directed by Mischa Kamp: " 'Boys' tells the story of Sieger, a sporty, rather quiet 15-year-old boy who discovers love during the summer holidays."
• "The Circle (Der Kries)" (Switzerland), directed by Stefan Haupt: "The story begins in 1958 Zurich when a bashful teacher and a cabaret artist meet through 'Der Kreis' (The Circle), the only gay organization to survive WWII and so begins a decades long story of love and courage."
• "Cupcakes" (Israel), directed by Eytan Fox ("Yossi & Jagger"): "A perky group of fresh-scrubbed young Israelis finds themselves the underdogs in an international singing contest in this kitschy musical comedy."
• "Der Samurai" (Germany), directed by Till Kleinert: "Over the course of one transformative and nightmarish night, a young policeman encounters his monstrous alter ego — a cross-dresser in a pristine white dress wielding a samurai sword."
• "Dual (Dvojina)" (Slovenia), directed by Nejc Gazvoda: "A mid-flight emergency landing brings two people together — one is hiding a big secret and the other is simply trying to find her place in the world."
• "Mala Mala" (U.S.A./Puerto Rico), directed by Antonio Santini and Dan Sickles: "A unique exploration of the trans community in Puerto Rico featuring a diverse collection of subjects as they fight for personal and community acceptance."
• "My Prairie Home" (Canada), directed by Chelsea McMullan: "A playful, meditative, and at times melancholic journey through indie singer Rae Spoon's queer and musical coming of age." (This movie premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.)
• "My Straight Son (Azul y No Tan Rosa)" (Venezuela), directed by Miguel Ferrari: "A touching and entertaining story about a father who is dealing with personal tragedy while striving to re-establish his bond with his estranged son."
• "Such Good People" (U.S.A.), directed by Steward Wade: "A contemporary screwball comedy, about a couple that finds a million dollars while housesitting."
• "To Be Takei" (U.S.A.), directed by Jennifer M. Kroot: "Join actor, activist, and intergalactic helmsman George Takei and his husband Brad on their playful and profound trek for life, liberty, and love." (This movie premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.)
• "Tom at the Farm (Tom à la Ferme)" (Canada), directed by Xavier Dolan ("Laurence Anyways"): "A young man, travels to the country for his boyfriend's funeral, where he's shocked to find out no one knows who he is — except for the deceased's brother, who soon sets the rules for a twisted game."
• "The Way He Looks (Hoje Eu Quero Voltar Sozinho)" (Brazil), directed by Daniel Ribeiro: "A charming coming-of-age story about a blind teenager trying to live an independent life, when a new student joins his class, plans change."
• "You and the Night" (France), directed by Yann Gonzalez: "Around midnight, a young couple and their cross-dressing maid prepare for an orgy. Their guests will be The Slut, The Star, The Stud, and The Teen. Featuring a soundtrack by M83."
Tickets are $6 per screening, available at ArtTix starting June 23.
Passes for DTH!, good for 10 screenings, are $35 from now until June 22. After June 22, the price goes up to $45. Go to the festival's website for passes and sponsorship information. (Passholders and sponsors get priority to the Barney Frank film on opening night.) —
At the movies
When • July 11-13
Where • Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. 300 South, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $6 per screening, available at ArtTix starting June 23. Passes for DTH!, good for 10 screenings, are $35 through June 22. After June 22, the price goes up to $45. Visit http://www.utahfilmcenter.org for passes and sponsorship information. (Passholders and sponsors get priority to the Barney Frank film on opening night.)